Since Kemper Development applied for a permit to land helicopters on top of Bellevue’s Bank of America building in 2008, the issue has been contentious for a number of community groups. For the FAA, the Hearing Examiner, and Bellevue’s City Council, however, it’s never been in question.

The application has once again moved forward and its approval will be finalized next week by the City Council. Monday-Saturday flights, in a limited capacity, will be allowed down NE 8th St, landing on the 19-story Bellevue Place building at 8th and Bellevue Way.

Despite concerns of noise or safety issues, opposition groups have failed to convince regulatory groups that these issues would be significant with the new air traffic.

Bellevue has always been a business-friendly city, and that focus has brought great prosperity to the city. Continuing to nurture the business community’s growth is clearly still a focus of the city council and administration.